Mental Breakdowns

I have these too much. One time I was up 5-1 in the first set and lost in the tiebreaker. That was in competition and during challenge matches I sometimes choke. Only if I could shake that I would be the #1 player on my team. HELP!!

I have these too much. One time I was up 5-1 in the first set and lost in the tiebreaker. That was in competition and during challenge matches I sometimes choke. Only if I could shake that I would be the #1 player on my team. HELP!!

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Sounds like you have "Fear of Winning", common but a bit less common than Fear of Losing.

If it's because you are afraid that your opponent is going to make a come back and your form breaks, you should practice more form and hit consistent shots or if you're a aggressive baseliner then become more aggressive, but don't over do it.

If it's because you start to relax with your lead, you should change your mind set and think as if you both have the same amount of points, simply you want to start making another lead, but don't forget the real score.

If it's because you are feeling sorry for your opponent and going easy, you have to remember that in tennis there well be one winner and one loser (in singles, two in doubles) just don't brag about the match or intimidate your opponent for losing, then your opponent might not be as frustrated about his loss, but this may not be the case all the time.